Athens Flying Week 2023: The American F-35, the French Rafale and the Greek F-16 impressed in the sky

With impressive presences from crews and aircraft of all kinds, from the latest generation warplanes – such as the American F-35, the French Rafale and the Greek F-16 – to airships, parachutes and model aircraft, the 11th Athens Flying Week 2023, the largest aviation event in south-eastern Europe, taking place on the weekend of September 2nd and 3rd at Tanagra Air Base.

The numerous spectators, who from early morning flock to the welcoming air base of the 114th Fighter Wing, have the opportunity to enjoy a rich flying program. But at the same time they have the opportunity to enjoy the aircraft participating in their static exhibitions, to chat and take pictures with their pilots, but also to browse the exhibitors’ stands and purchase souvenirs, badges and coats of arms from iconic air units and aircraft insignia.

Of course, the show was stolen by selected foreign holdings. Especially the “solo” programs carried out by the American F-35 with its pilot Christine “Bio” Wolf (pun intended to remind the central hero of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowolf), but also the demonstration of the French Rafale, with pilot Bertrand “Boubou” » Bhutan and the program that gave it victory in the air competition in Britain. Especially the flight of the Rafale showed the many possibilities and literally the extremes to which this irresistible aircraft can reach, which our Air Force has just received the 18th of the corresponding fighters that will strengthen the wings of our defense.

Of course, the participation that aroused the undivided interest of the spectators and in the static exhibitions, in addition to the extremely impressive program of the demonstration, which proved the enormous capabilities of this fighter, was the presence of the impressive American fighter F-35 for the first time in Greece. As the F-16 and F-35 commander for Lockheed Martin Monessa Banseiser told the Athens Agency, “we are very excited to be here at Athens Flying Week and to have the entire F-35 demonstration team here. It is a great joy to return to Greece. I was there two years ago, then flying the F-16v with the demonstration squadron and I’m always glad to be back. And it’s wonderful to participate in the F-35 demonstration and demonstrate the capabilities of this exciting aircraft.” Regarding the particularities of these two aircraft, the American pilot added: “The big difference between the F-16 and the F-35 is that, not so much from a flying point of view. The thrust lever is in the same position and both aircraft are easy to handle in flight. The biggest difference you’ll see between them is the F-35’s ability to synthesize flight data and give the commander a better understanding of the battlespace.”

In the flawless organization and successful displays, often involving maneuvers that defy the laws of nature and the forces of gravity, the Fursan aerobatic flocks from the Arab Emirates, who performed a program of masterful and often daring maneuvers, stood out in particular, the Saudi Arabian flock of Saudi Hawks and the Spanish Patrulla Aguila. The top glider pilot Luca Bertozio also left memorable impressions, while the program of the Belgian F-16 took the breath away of many spectators. Spectators also watched an impressive program and maneuvers from the Danish F-16.

The program and the maneuvers they presented to the public in Tanagra and the Greek colors, apart from the elite crews and swarms from abroad, participated with almost all of the flying means available to all three corps of the Greek army. Especially the demonstration of the F-16 “Zeus” with squadron leader Christos Haritos, proved that Greek pilots are among the best in the world. Spectators were also thrilled by the flight of the iconic F-4 Fantom, which for 10 years formed the backbone of the country’s air defense, but also proved to be one of the most popular fighter aircraft in the world. But also the unimaginable maneuvers of the other aviation means of the three corps of our army (some with the participation of special forces) showed the world how capable and how great readiness and fighting skill their air force is and how close the cooperation of all three is weapons in case of crisis.

Also participating is Air Force Academy. The flying vice-commander Apostolos Tsolis of the Ikaron School, speaking to APE-MBE, pointed out that “every year we are honored to be invited to this air show. This year our joy is even greater, because this year we are participating with a Tecnam aircraft as a static exhibit, together with the other three training aircraft and as well as with a School stand where photos and videos will be shown, there is also an Icaron delegation, so that we can also promote the School, but also the aviation concept in general, in this whole aviation celebration”.

His participation is also special impressive swarm of demonstrations by the Greek team T-6 “Daedalos” of the 120th Wing based in Kalamata. As the squadron commander Konos Papageorgiou, a member of the T-6 “Daedalos” demonstration team, stated to APE-MPE, the purpose of establishing this team, which took place 18 years ago, was to spread the aviation idea in Greece, to the general public, as and in the areas of the Air Force. “The purpose is very important as all the spectators see what a T-6 is doing which is the original plane of our Icarus training in Kalamata.” In response to the question of whether there is always the possibility of another upgrade of the flying material and the quality of the training, squadron commander Papageorgiou emphasized that “in any case, the whole system is dynamic, it is constantly being modernized, this is also the purpose, as well as the means change, but the basis remains the same, the purpose is the same”.

For his part, Captain Athanasios Foskas, commander of the Naval Aviation Command said: “The Navy participates in this demonstration with an s70 helicopter, manufactured by the Sikorsky company, the so-called SeaHawk, which is the most successful naval helicopter that exists today the moment in the world. Our participation in Athens Flying Week has been complete since the start of these demonstrations. The reason for our continued participation is that we are supporters of the air concept, on the one hand because it is an air show and on the other hand it contributes greatly to the good testimony of the Navy abroad, because this helicopter is one of the most important weapons at sea that the Navy has against ships and submarines. And therefore it is a great honor for us to participate here, so that the society gets to know us better and to showcase the very great potential that the Navy has”.

But also the foreign participations with their impressive demonstrations absolutely contribute to the successful organization and the rich program. Special moments of aviation pleasure were offered to the public by the pilot of the Belgian F-16 Dream Viper Steven “Vrisky” De Vries. The Belgian commentator told APE-MBE: “First of all I enjoy the fact that they were invited. It’s my first time in Tanagra. The environment is great, flying over thousands of islands. At Tanagra we brought the Dream Viper F-16 and everything looks favorable for a nice display. The F-16 is an amazing aircraft. It may be old, so to speak, because it’s 50 years in production next year, it’s incredible, but it’s still coming off the factory production line, it’s a beautiful jet, and even though the F-35 is lurking around the corner, the F-16 is exquisite. As you said, Greece also uses them, it is a suitable platform for air-to-air and air-to-ground operations and other missions, I don’t want to repeat myself, but as I said it is an amazing aircraft.”

Impressive, but at the same time moving, was the presence at the demonstrations of the impressive WE FLY swarm from Italy with disabled pilots. As Marco Cherubini, a member of the We Fly PWD group, said:

“We have known Greece for years, because we were lucky enough to fly here again thanks to Panos (Podimatas), who had invited us several years ago, it has been 6 or 7 years since we were last in Greece. For us it is an honor to fly the tricolor Italian flag in the Greek sky. Painting the Greek sky with Italian colors always fills us with pride and is our honor. We have come to the first official air show with our new aircraft, which are our own builds. I made mine with my hands for 5 years. I was able to build this aircraft myself that you saw flying, and it fills me with pride to show you flying in this sky.”

Regarding the swarm’s participation in the Tanagra show, Mr. Cherubini emphasized: “Being in this show for me is a kind of message to everyone that being disabled is not a handicap. Having dexterity there is no problem to fly. And we prove that even when you don’t have mobility, you can fly at high levels with the best pilots in the world. And today we proved that we have no difficulties. For us, the fact that we can fly with our hands does not change anything. They’ve decided that to pilot an aircraft you have to use your feet. Those who invented it instead of putting pedals put a lever like we do in airplanes, there would be no difference. And we, all without exception, are disabled in flight, because in order to fly we need an engine. Therefore the ability to fly is the same for everyone. And we are the living proof of this to everyone”.

From her side of Spanish show team Patrulla Aguila, its announcer, captain Manuel Berhano, told APE-MPE that “it is our pleasure, after 7 years, once again to have the opportunity to participate in this fantastic show, which is perfectly organized and I am always happy to return to Greece . Greece and Spain have a lot in common, a lot of similarities in terms of geography, soil, habits, food and we really feel at home here. And I am very happy that we are here. I had the opportunity to be here again 7 years ago, participating again as an announcer in the show that was organized then, again here in Tanagra. I have participated in the last 16 years in many festivals, I have seen many events, but I especially like this organization. It is very well organized and it shows the great care of the organizing committee, of the institutions that were behind it, and I like that. We will definitely be back. We do not lose hope that we will return, whenever you invite us again. We are always happy when you invite us. It is enough for our aircraft, which is of Spanish manufacture, but it is already old, it has already been flying for many years, but we hope that it will last and that we can return to Greece and meet you because you are like brothers to us”.

This year’s program is really rich, with central interest the US F-35 and French Rafale displays. While the Solo F-16s from Belgium and Denmark, and the Greek teams “Dias” and “Daedalos” should be added to the large number of participations. As for the teams, in addition to the Saudi and Emirati teams, the Spanish Patrulla Aguila and teams from Switzerland and Belgium and the aerobatic team from Kavala will also participate, while a team with disabled pilots came from Italy for the first time. , which proves how much the human will can achieve. Also, a special mention should be made of the presence of the world aerobatic champion Luca Bertosio, while the event will also be supported by Greek Sky Diving and Gliding teams. A surprise of the event was the excellent demonstration of the new Aegean Airbus.